Some of the best attractions of the Walt Disney World Resort complex are found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  This theme park was inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood and the Disney Imagineers continue to find ways to celebrate the incredible creativity of movies, television, theatre and music with awesome attractions and rides for guests of all ages.  Here are a few of the fan favorites at the park.  

For this overview of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we will “go to the right”, meaning as you walk into the main entrance of the park, go to the right towards Sunset Blvd. This is for two reasons; first reason the park map lists Echo Lake first and is to the left so many guests arriving may verve off in that direction; two reason my Mom always said whenever you visit a big place, like an amusement park or museum, always go to the right when exiting a ride or room this way you don’t miss anything.

After entering go to the right to Sunset Boulevard then make tracks to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror for a frightfully steep drop down the elevator of the towering Hollywood Hotel. This ride is for thrill-seekers!  The entire building is 199 feet tall and is famous for its elevator drop at the end.

Head over to the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith for speedy 4G travel and a sea serpent roll. This high-velocity roller coaster features songs from the rock band, Aerosmith.  Funny item, classic song “Love in an Elevator” was rewritten as “Love in a Roller Coaster” specifically for this extreme coaster.  (For those who would prefer not to take on this ride, there’s a lovely grass-field for spectators surrounded by snack booths, cocktail bars, and restrooms.)

Continue to Toy Story Land next (to the right). Get on board the Slinky Dog Dash for a two-minute roller coaster ride with a twisting, turning view of the sights of Toy Story Land.  This ride is sure to keep you laughing with its little drops and fast dips perfect for younger thrill-seekers. This ride even features a charming performance by Wheezy the Penguin. 

 

At Pixar Place, put on your 3-D glasses and hop aboard the virtual reality ride Toy Story Mania!  As you travel through the ride, try your hand at virtual carnival games like Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers, Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery and a Pie Toss Practice Booth.

If you’re lucky enough to get into Galaxy’s Edge: look for more action and excitement in the all-new, 14-acre addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the name of the new land with a Millennium Falcon starship ride, the Black Spire Outpost, an abundance of wandering droids, Stormtroopers and specialized food and drinks to fit the out-of-this-world atmosphere.   Ride in the famous cockpit of the Millennium Falcon by getting assigned a job on the ship:  pilot, engineer or gunner.  All “jobs” experience the same ride so don’t worry.

Rise of the Resistance is being promoted as “a thrilling, first-of-its-kind adventure”.  This newest Hollywood Studios ride is trackless.  You glide around various themed rooms in an 8-seater car viewing and slightly interacting with Star Wars characters with a thrilling ending of flying through space.

Disney FastPass+ service is currently offered for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. However, it is not available for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (yet).

Hang around for the exciting nighttime show, Fantasmic! located behind the Tower of Terror.  This evening event featuring Mickey himself has pyrotechnics, fireworks, special effects, lasers, searchlights, and water effects to dazzle audiences as beloved characters fight an epic battle against the evil Disney Villains.  Fantasmic! is performed on select nights only. Be sure to check the Entertainment Schedule, the My Disney Experience app or the Times Guide at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for showtimes if you are one of the lucky ones to be there on these select evening performances.

For accommodations close to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, look no further than Disney’s BoardWalk Villas – Disney Vacation Club, a charming, turn-of-the-century style property located on tranquil Crescent Lake conveniently located just a short stroll from both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.  This picturesque boardwalk-inspired resort is designed to resemble the beachfront resorts of Coney Island, New York, and Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Pastel-colored architecture, wood decking, carnival accents, and twinkling lights provide the backdrop for this timeless waterside resort with tons of Disney magic.  There’s even a merry-go-round from the 1920s in the resort lobby that spins on an hourly rotation to delight resort guests in a swirl of color, carousel horses and old-time music.

 

Bonus:  Vacation Club Loans proudly provides financing at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas and all Disney Vacation Club properties by offering 7-year loans to purchase points.  This ensures you can come back and visit your favorite parks year after year as an owner of DVC.   

*Extra Magic Hours Bonus:  Each day, guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels get to enjoy select attractions in at least 1 of 4 theme parks, before or after regular operating hours.  Extra Magic Hours is the perfect time to miss long lines for the most popular rides within Hollywood Studios!

• contributed by Chris Golden